The certificate is issued by the Nihon Tosogu Kenkyukai. The paper states that this Tsuba was made by the Nidai (2nd) Takahashi (Tajuro) of Takahashi family.

Ura Mei: "Echizen no Ju" "Kinai Saku" H 03170.0 (died 1696)

PROVENANCE: Elliott D. Long

The 2nd Head Kinai was the best craftsman of the six Takahashi Kinai family members.The carving style is known as 'Kinai-Bori' or 'Echizen-Bori'. Strong nikubori sukashi design of three plantain (omodaka) leaves and three stalks of grass seeds.Tetsu-Ji Maru-Gata, Maru Mimi tsuba with kozuka and kogai ana.7.85cm x 7.85cm x
0.55cm.